Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a highly addictive drug that Jack was seen abusing. Some commonly known commercial formulations include "OxyContin", as well as the acetominophen-oxycodone combination sold as "Percocet".

Around a year after he had been rescued from the island, Jack had apparently become dependent on this drug. As a medical doctor, Jack would have been well aware of the addictive properties of the drug. ("Through the Looking Glass, Part 1")

Trivia

Oxycodone is a prescription opioid that has addictive properties similar to heroin to which Charlie was addicted at the time of the crash.

In the United States, Oxycodone is classified as a "Schedule II Drug" and is highly regulated by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. Refills for these drugs are not permitted in any US state, however, Jack apparently had 3 refills, according to the pharmacist in the flash forward. In some states, written prescriptions for Oxycodone and all other Schedule II drugs must be confirmed through the prescribing doctor within 72 hours.

Jack was seen stealing sample packets of generic oxycodone. Although samples are liberally distributed by pharmaceutical sales representatives, US federal law prohibits samples of Schedule II drugs.

Also known as "Hillbilly Heroin", Oxycodone was initially marketed as having less risk of dependence or addiction than other prescription painkillers. (Note that heroin was also initially, 100 years ago, marketed as a non-addictive substitute for morphine.)

In July 2007, a federal judge fined the makers of OxyContin $634.5 million for misleading the public about its risk of addiction. (AP)